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Olivia Polk earned degrees in English and political science from Williams College. Polk wove images from her childhood and her love of the Wild West into the fabric of this book. Using her university studies in folk storytelling traditions, she wrote Millie the Magical Stone Skipper as a modern, version of the classic fairytale model, urging the next generation of creative thinkers to dream big, aim high, and pursue their natural talents and interests. This is Polk's first book. She lives in New York City. Vanya Liang is a Chinese freelance illustrator. In her work, she loves experimenting with patterns and colors. She pays close attention in her daily life, noticing everything she sees and feels, and uses it as inspiration in her artwork. Vanya has worked with various prominent authors and clients on both publishing and commercial projects. Her work has also been recognized with several awards.
I really love the story of Millie and it has turned out beautifully . . . [S]hort enough to keep the attention of young children and clever enough to provoke thoughtful conversation. The language is rhythmic and lyrical and the illustrations tie the whole story together-so very important in a children's book. Wonderful story for the young and those who are young at heart. -Jennifer Storey Gillis, early childhood educator and author of An Apple A Day! and Green Beans & Tambourines The artwork is colorful and vibrant, so I loved seeing what type of scene each new page would bring. The story itself really resonated with me, as someone who tried out several different paths in life before really figuring out what fulfills me and what I'm meant to do. The theme of being independent and still caring for others is a spot-on summation of some of my struggles as an ambitious female. We're always trying to strike that balance between individualism and community, and I think this book shows young girls that you can have both! I'm thirty-five years old and I needed the inspirational reminder. - Julie Ellison, writer, Sony Alpha Female+ grant-winning photographer, and Climbing Magazine's first female editor-in-chief A fine blend of fairy tale and modern girl-power, Millie the Magical Stone Skipper spins an inspirational story of patience, practice, and perseverance. Set in Big Sky Country, the tale springs to vibrant life in Vanya Liang's accomplished illustrations. - Jane Bayard Curley, PhD, independent curator specializing in children's literature
